Sunderland midfielder Cabral believes he can cope with the demands of playing in the Premier League. "This is a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it," the 24 year old said.

"Playing in Basle, we won everything in Switzerland, and I played in the Champions League and Europa League.

"Now I have a new challenge in England and, for me, it is the best league."

Cabral has also been impressed by boss Paolo Di Canio.

He said: "The coach is outstanding. First he was a big player, now a great coach. He gives everything for the team.

"I like the coach. He is passionate and always wanting the team to do better."

"In Basle, there are passionate fans - around 20,000 or so per game - but this is different," he added.

"Every game we play, the fans are always there and that is important for the team. In the game, I battle for the fans."